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Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor has today classified the drought conditions in Southland and Clutha and Queenstown Lakes districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the region.

The Government is backing rural communities in the Waikato, Otago and the West Coast to develop and drive solutions to local challenges.

Community resilience and land management best-practice in South Canterbury will be bolstered through the Government’s backing of two farmer-led projects.

With a few clicks of the mouse, farmers and growers will be able to collate and share environmental compliance data, and build export value if a new research project is successful, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced t

Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor has classified the storm that caused significant flood damage across the Tairāwhiti district and Hawke's Bay region a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers.

The primary sector takes another step towards lifting its sustainability with the trialling of a new hydroponic growing technique that aims to have higher yields and a lower impact on the environment.

Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor has announced this year’s New Zealand Biosecurity Awards winners, saying their skills, dedication and knowledge underpin Aotearoa’s world-leading biosecurity system – a fundamental aspect to New Zealand’s economic strength.

A new programme launched today in Mangere aims to introduce Pacific youth to fruitful careers in New Zealand’s horticulture sector.

A new economic report shows the important role the United States plays as an export market for high-value and high-technology New Zealand products as the country builds its COVID-19 recovery.

A land-based seaweed trial aiming to help restore our waterways is about to kick-off with Government investment beside the Firth of Thames wetland, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said.

New Zealand and the United Kingdom have overnight signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that unlocks unprecedented access to the UK market and accelerates New Zealand’s COVID-19 recovery.

The horticulture and winegrowing sector will have access to 1,600 more workers this season after the Government agreed to increase the Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme (RSE) cap to 16,000.

New Zealand’s trade agenda for 2022 steps up as Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announces he will depart for Europe and the Middle East this Sunday 27 February.

The Government is backing a project to support Māori landowners to invest in New Zealand’s rapidly growing sheep milk industry, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said today.

Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor has classified severe weather that left a trail of damage across the North Island as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking further Government support for farmers and growers hit by recent storms.

The Government is partnering with Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust to develop a horticultural programme that will empower Ngāti Hauā whānau to upskill, diversify their businesses and sustainably generate wealth from their land.

New Zealand’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continues to build momentum, with the Upgrade to New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China entering into force on 7 April 2022.

Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor has classified the severe weather that’s affected the West Coast and Top of the South as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers.

An ambitious horticulture project is under way to lift the productivity of Māori-owned land in northern Hawke’s Bay.

Farmers and growers are getting a helping hand to prepare for Omicron, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. 

The Government is investing in the development of a new forecasting tool that makes full use of innovative climate modelling to help farmers and growers prepare for dry conditions.

New Zealand is continuing its leadership in tackling damaging fossil fuel subsidies through a launch of Joint Ministerial Statement, supported by 45 WTO Members.

Food and fibre export revenue is projected to surge to a record $50.8 billion in the year to 30 June 2022 – an increase of 6 percent over the previous year.

The Government has approved border class exceptions for key agricultural jobs including 200 mobile plant machinery operators, 40 shearers and 50 wool handlers.